Weld parameter interface

ABSTRACT

A system and method for determining settings or parameters for a welding-type power source are provided. By presenting an operator with an interface that is positioned along the path of a weld cable and configured to input weld characteristics, an operator is not required to determine electrical parameters for setting a welding-type power source output at the power source. The interface is presented to the operator at a remote welding-type device, such as a wire feeder, a weld robot, a torch, or the like. From the operator-specified weld characteristics, the system and method determine appropriate settings for the power source. In some embodiments, the system and method may automatically set the power source accordingly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/263,920, filed Nov. 3, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,592,722, entitled“Weld Parameter Interface” in the name of James F. Ulrich et al., whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to welding, and, moreparticularly, to a weld parameter interface system and method whichcalculate electrical requirements or other settings for a weldingprocess from weld characteristics, such as a material to be welded,joint configuration, weld dimensions or other parameters. By allowingusers to describe a weld to be performed rather than electricalrequirements, the system and method of the present invention cansimplify and/or automate the electrical calibration of a power sourcefor a particular welding procedure.

As new advances in the welding arts develop, the level of user knowledgerequired to operate advanced welders has correspondingly increased. Inother words, the more features and capabilities incorporated into awelder, the more an operator must learn or remember in order to utilizethe new features and capabilities. Many present welding systems andpower sources prompt a user to specify such settings as weld voltage,current, signal frequencies, and electrical operation modes likeconstant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV). Some systems evenprompt a user to define particular welding power waveforms, in whichcase an operator must enter in such specific details as rise times, falltimes, pulse widths, and the like.

In contrast, many weld operators are prone to understand weldingprocesses in terms of the physical characteristics of the weld itself.It stands to reason that, since an operator is primarily concerned withmaking a weld, the operator will think of the welding procedure in termsof the weld itself and not in terms of power settings. That is, mostoperators will find it far easier to describe a welding process in termsof the workpiece materials, thicknesses, and weld joint types, ratherthan voltages, currents, and waveforms.

Requiring operators to learn electrical parameters and translate theirweld description into electrical settings can diminish, to some extent,the advantages presented by technically advanced welding systems. Whenan operator must spend significant amounts of time in being constantlyre-trained in new electrical settings or when an operator takes longerto adjust a new power source, the overall efficiency of a manufacturingprocess is reduced. Additionally, when experienced operators must bere-trained to think of weld settings in terms of electrical parameters,years of operator experience may be put to waste.

Some present systems have adjustment knobs or other interfaces locatedon the power source, so that users can adjust various power sourcesettings in the field. Other systems utilize hand-held computers whichare plugged directly into the power source for adjustment thereof Theseprocedures may be inconvenient for an operator who is welding remotelyfrom the power source. They use additional parts and connections, orrequire the operator to set down the torch, walk back to the powersource to adjust settings, then walk back to the weld area. When anoperator is located inside a ship hull, for example, walking back to apower source located outside the ship hull can present a very realinconvenience. Additionally, though these systems sometimes provide forsome quasi-physical input settings, such as wire feed speed or materialdescriptions, such systems typically contemplate that operators willstill be directly adjusting at least some electrical parameters.

It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method capable oftranslating an operator's weld-characteristic understanding of a weldingprocedure into particular optimal settings for a power source, such aselectrical settings. It would further be desirable for such a system andmethod to include a simple, intuitive user interface which is integratedinto a remote device, for reduced parts and complexity and ease of powersource adjustment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for adjusting powersource parameters which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.Embodiments of the present invention provide for adjustment/control ofpower source settings based on descriptions of a weld procedure to beperformed. In addition, embodiments of the present invention includeinterfaces which are integrated into remote devices and present simpleweld-term options, for increased simplicity.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, a welding-typesystem includes a power source constructed to deliver a conditionedwelding power on a weld cable, a peripheral device connected remotelyfrom the power source along the path of the weld cable, and a userinterface connected to the peripheral device. The weld cable defines apath from the power source to a welding electrode. Further, the userinterface is adapted to input at least one weld attribute andcommunicate the at least one weld attribute to a processing unit. Theprocessing unit determines a set of power source parameters from the atleast one weld attribute and causes the power source to condition thewelding power in accordance with the set of power source parameters.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a welding-typeuser interface system includes a display comprising a set of controlinputs configured to communicate weld specifications, a power receiverto receive electrical power from a weld cable to at least power thedisplay, a processing unit programmed to convert the weld specificationsfrom the set of control inputs into welding-type power source settings,and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the settings to awelding-type power source. The settings are used to adjust welding-typeoutput power of the welding-type power source. Further, the weld cablecouples the welding-type power source to a welding-type torch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forsetting welding parameters includes presenting a number of weldcharacteristic options on a user interface, wherein the user interfaceis connected to a welding-system device that is remote from awelding-type power conditioner, determining a set of electrical powersource parameters based on user selection of particular weldcharacteristics, transmitting the set of power source parameters to apower source output controller, and conditioning welding-type powerbased on the set of power source parameters. The weld characteristicscomprise physical attributes of a weld.

Various other features and advantages of the present invention will bemade apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplatedfor carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a welding system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface for thewelding system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an alternative user interface for the weldingsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the connectivity between awelding-type power source and a user interface system of a remote devicein accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the connectivity between awelding-type power source and a user interface system of a remote devicein accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention finds applicability with all welding orweld-related systems including, but not limited to, systems utilizingpower sources which are located remotely from the operator and theworkpiece/weld. Therefore, embodiments of the invention will bediscussed below with respect to systems which utilize wire feeders, weldrobots, sophisticated torches, other user-adapted accessories, and thelike. However, it is to be understood that the features and advantagesdescribed for a given welding-type system or configuration are equallyapplicable to other welding-type systems. For example, discussion of thepresent invention with respect to remote wire feeders shall beunderstood to extend to other remote devices equivalently.

Referring to FIG. 1, a welding-type system 10 is shown incorporating thepresent invention. System 10 includes at least one power source 12,which can be an AC or a DC welding power supply operable in either aconstant current (CC) or a constant voltage (CV) mode. The power source12 has a work cable 14 and clamp 16 designed to connect power source 12to a workpiece 18 for welding. A power cable 19 carries conditionedwelding-type power from the power source 12 to a wire feeder 21. Awelding cable 22 carries conditioned welding-type power from the wirefeeder 21 to a welding-type electrode 20 extending from a gun or torch24. As shown, the power source 12 can be connected, via the cables 19and 22, to remote or peripheral devices such as the wire feeder 21 andthe gun or torch 24. It is appreciated, however, that the presentinvention finds applicability in systems having remote or peripheraldevices other than, or in addition to, wire feeder 21 and gun or torch24. Preferably, wire feeder 21 is configured to drive consumable weldwire to a weld according to various operating modes. As shown, wirefeeder 21 is a separate component from power source 12, though it isappreciated that wire feeder 21, or other remote devices, may be in apermanent configuration with power source 12. Wire feeder 21 includes awelding torch or gun 24 and a voltage sensing lead with clip 26configured to provide voltage feedback from the weld to the wire feeder21. A shielding gas cylinder 28 is also connected to the wire feeder 21,and includes a valve that is selectively activated to provide shieldinggas for the welding process.

When welding torch 24 is triggered, welding wire is fed from wire feeder21 toward the workpiece 18. As the wire approaches the workpiece 18, anelectrical arc is established which generates current and voltage,causing the welding wire to be heated and melt to the workpiece 18,whereupon the welding wire fuses and cools with the workpiece 18.Because the electrical energy supplied at the weld is greater than thatrequired to melt the welding wire, most of the remaining energy is inthe form of heat which is transferred to the surface of the workpiece 18resulting in the workpiece 18 also melting and improving bonding betweenthe melted welding wire and the workpiece 18. As welding torch 24 istranslated across workpiece 18, melted welding wire is continuouslytransferred to the workpiece 18.

Wire feeder 21 also has a user interface 30 integrated therewith, forselecting power source parameters. Interface 30 is shown as a graphicaluser interface (GUI), though it is appreciated that a physical interfacecomprising knobs and the like may equivalently be used. In embodimentswhere interface 30 is a GUI, interactivity with the GUI may be via akeyboard, keypad, touch screen, voice commands, knobs or dials, and/or acommunication port for connectivity with other devices like laptopcomputers or hand-held devices (not shown). Similarly, torch 24 is shownhaving a physical interface 32 integrated thereon. Interfaces 30 and 32may be used alternatively, or in combination, to allow an operator tospecify characteristics of an impending weld. These weld characteristicsmay be translated into power characteristics and used to adjust powersettings of power source 12. As such, an operator is saved from theinconvenience of having to return to power source 12 each time a changein the power source output is sought. User selections or inputs receivedby the interfaces 30, 32 may also cause changes in the operating mode ofwire feeder 21.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a more detailed view of a GUI is shown. GUI 40may be presented on a display of a remote wire feeder, a torch, or otherremote device. GUI 40 allows an operator to specify physicalcharacteristics of a weld which the operator will be making, includingwelding materials, weld joint configuration parameters, and weld beadparameters. Based on the selected weld characteristics, a processor(e.g., processor 128, 138 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively) determines theelectrical parameters which will be used to set the power source toachieve optimal weld conditions. The processor running the GUI 40 mayautomatically set the electrical parameters in the power source 12.Alternatively, the GUI 40 may simply display the electrical parametersto an operator for approval or manual setting.

GUI 40 is shown having a weld type or weld joint selection menu 42. Anoperator may specify that the impending weld is to have a “BUTT” joint46, a “CORNER” joint 48, an “EDGE” joint 50, a “LAP” joint 52, a “TEE”joint 54, or other weld joint type. As shown, these selections are madevia radio buttons, though it is appreciated that other conventions suchas check boxes, drop-down boxes, or tabs may be used equivalently. Whena user selects a weld type option, such as a BUTT joint 46, welddepiction window 44 will display a generalized view of the type ofweld/joint which has been selected. As shown, a butt weld 56 isdisplayed in depiction window 44.

In addition, an operator may specify the type of workpiece material(s)via drop down menu 58. Thus, GUI 40 may be programmed to present a listof material types, such as various alloys, grades, and types of metals.In certain embodiments, GUI 40 may be pre-programmed to present onlycommon or user-preferred material types. GUI 40 may be furtherprogrammed to automatically set default selections for each weld type.As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates the selection of a 309 Stainless Steelworkpiece material. Similarly, GUI 40 allows a user to select athickness of the workpiece(s). Preferably, GUI 40 will display, in dropdown menu 60, a number of preferred or common material thickness optionsfor the material type selected in menu 58. When an operator selects aworkpiece material and thickness, the graphical display 56 of the weldcan be automatically updated to reflect the chosen characteristics.

Text boxes 60-68 allow an operator to describe the weld itself, in termsof weld attributes or characteristics. These weld attributes caninclude, for example, the desired fillet size 62, penetration depth 64,penetration profile 66, and bead width 68. Thus, an operator canmanually enter the desired characteristics, rather than selecting themfrom menus. It is appreciated, however, that other GUI conventions, suchas menus and checkboxes may be used for inputting weld characteristics,or a click-and-drag type scalable control could be included in the GUIfor increasing/decreasing a parameter value, such as the bead width. Theweld attributes can also be shown in the weld depiction window 44, andthe display can be modified as the weld attribute values are adjusted.Typically, welding operators will understand these characteristicsbetter than the associated electrical parameters which will producethem. Depending upon the welding system type into which GUI 40 isintegrated, GUI 40 may also present menus or text boxes 70, 80, and 82for operators to specify wire types, wire feed speeds, and gas types,respectively.

GUI 40 also contains a number of command buttons 72-78. When an operatorhas specified the desired weld characteristics (or accepted the defaultcharacteristics), the operator may activate the “Calculate ElectricalParameters” button 72. The GUI will then determine and display theoptimal electrical parameters by which to set the power source. Theseparameters may include a power source voltage setting 84, a power sourcecurrent setting 86, a power source frequency 88, and an operation mode90 (such as constant current CC, constant voltage CV, or pulse). Pulseparameters, such as a pulse width, rise time, and fall time could alsobe calculated. In applications where a wire feeder 21 is used, a wirefeed speed may also be calculated (not shown). GUI 40 may also allow anoperator to alter previously-selected weld characteristics and have theGUI re-determine electrical parameters 84-90, by activating the“Refresh” button 74.

In addition to being used to determine the optimal electrical parametersby which to set the power source, the desired weld characteristics inputby a user can also be used in determining a proper weld wire type. Thatis, the input of the desired weld characteristics described above can beused for determining a composition, size, and/or brand of weld wire thatis suitable for use with a peripheral wire feeder 21 (shown in FIG. 1)for the described welding operation. A “Determine Weld Wire Type” button91, FIG. 2, is included on GUI 40 and, when an operator has specifiedthe desired weld characteristics (or accepted the defaultcharacteristics), the operator may activate the “Determine Weld WireType” button 91. The GUI 40 will then determine and display the optimalweld wire type for use in the wire feeder and display this informationat weld wire display 93.

An operator may also choose to import preset weld characteristics and/orelectrical parameters by activating the “Import” button 76. Importbutton 76 may allow a user to retrieve previously saved sets ofcharacteristics from local memory storage or to input weldcharacteristic from an outside data source. For example, weldcharacteristics may be uploaded directly from a CAD file or otherarchitectural or engineering specification, a laptop computer, ahand-held device, or computer network. In other words, the userinterface system may download or receive data from a schematicspecification file from a computing-type device and use such data todetermine the weld characteristics. The “Store Settings” button 78 maybe used to create stored sets of characteristics from the currentsettings displayed GUI 40. These sets of weld characteristics can thenbe retrieved for quick parameter setting via the “Import” button 76.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of a weldcharacteristic interface is shown. Interface 92 is less graphical thanthe interface of FIG. 2, and may be integrated into one or more remotedevices such as weld torch handle 94. Having interface 92 located on, orcoupled to, a remote device may increase work efficiencies. That is,since an operator will no longer need to move to a welding-type powerconditioner to adjust power conditioning power settings, the length ofwork flow interruptions may be minimized. In this less graphicalembodiment, interface 92 includes a number of physical controls, such asknobs, buttons and dials 96-102 which present weld characteristicoptions to an operator. It will be appreciated that the number, size,and arrangement of controls 96-106 may vary and may depend upon the typeof torch handle or other remote device into which interface 92 isintegrated. Interface 92 may also have a cover (not shown) to enclosethe controls 96-106 during a welding operation, to prevent inadvertentchanges to weld characteristic settings.

Interface 92 has a weld/joint type selector knob 98, by which anoperator may designate the impending weld as a butt joint “B,” a cornerjoint “C,” an edge joint “E,” a lap joint “L,” or a tee joint “T.” Invarious embodiments, knob 98 may be a hand-turnable knob or a screwdriver-turnable knob. In a similar manner, an operator may also specifythe dimensions of the weld by turning knob 96. Weld dimension knob 96may specify the weld fillet size, penetration depth, bead width, orother similar characteristics. Additional knobs (not shown) may also bepresent on interface 92 to permit operators to specify more or all ofthese dimensions. The type of workpiece material may be selected in anumber of ways. As shown, interface 92 includes a small LCD display 104and a scroll button 100. By depressing button 100, display 104 willscroll through a list of workpiece material types, until the desiredmaterial type is shown. Alternatively, it is appreciated that othercontrols, such as switches, could be used to select workpiece materialtypes.

Interface 92 may set electrical parameters in the power source connectedto the remote device 94 in a number of ways. For example, interface 92may register changes to weld characteristics only prior to commencementof a weld operation, and may therefore allow an operator to onlymanually adjust power source parameters during a weld operation. Inaddition, interface 92 may only set electrical parameters after a userhas specified all the desired weld characteristics. In this manner,interface 92 may have a “Set Power Source” button 106. Alternatively,interface 92 may simply adjust power source parameters in real time asthe weld characteristics are changed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic block diagram conceptuallyillustrating the connectivity between a power source and a userinterface system of a peripheral device is shown. Power source 110provides conditioned power via a weld cable 112, which in the presentembodiment is connected to wire feeder 114 and torch 116. Generally,power source 110 includes a primary transformer 118 to conditionwelding-type power, a power output controller 120 to control the outputof transformer 118, and a receiver 122 to receive operator-selected dataand communicate the data to controller 120. In some embodiments,receiver 122 may receive weld characteristics from a user interfacesystem such as interface system 124 of wire feeder 114 or interfacesystem 126 of torch 116. In such embodiments, receiver 122 willcommunicate the weld characteristics to a processing unit 128 of powersource 110 for the determination of power source electrical parameters.Receiver 122 may be configured to receive input data via weld cable 112or data cable 130, or it may be configured to allow for wirelesscommunication via antenna 131.

Processing unit 128, or an associated memory component (not shown), mayhave stored thereon a lookup table or a set of conditions andconstraints by which electrical parameters are determined That is, alookup table or database of electrical parameters may be parsedaccording to the user-selected weld characteristics. Such a lookup tablemay be determined and stored in processing unit 128 by the manufacturerof power source 110. Alternatively, the electrical parameter values inthe lookup table may be saved or altered by an operator, to personalizethe electrical parameter determination. In this regard, more than onelookup table may be stored on processing unit 128, such that multipleoperators may store their own individualized electrical parameterprofiles.

For example, an operator at the remote device 114 could enter anoperator ID instructing the processing unit 128 which profile to use.Then, the operator could specify a given weld joint type, material type,material thickness, weld profile, etc. Using these characteristics, theprocessing unit 128 will parse the lookup table and find a set ofelectrical parameters which have been stored as the optimal parametersto achieve the specified weld. Stored electrical parameters may includeparticular weld voltage, weld current, frequency, operation modesettings, and the like. These settings may then be communicated to thecontroller 120 for adjustment of the power source output. Accordingly,some degree of operator guesswork can be removed from power sourceelectrical settings.

Processing unit 128 may also be configured to begin with pre-set defaultelectrical parameters, if no weld characteristics are specified by auser. When an operator alters a weld characteristic, processing unit 128may then determine whether one or more electrical settings of the powersource 110 need to be adjusted.

Positioned along the path of weld cable 112, user interface system 124,seen as part of the wire feeder 114 (i.e., a peripheral welding-typedevice), allows for the input and communication of weld characteristics.As shown in the present embodiment, user interface system 124 includes atransmitter 132, a display 134, and power receiver 136. In the presentembodiment, the power receiver 136 receives power via the weld cable 112to at least power the display 134. It is contemplated that the interfacesystem 124 may also include a processor 138 and a port or data receiver140. The port or data receiver 140 can be used to download weldinformation from a remote computing-type device. As such, it iscontemplated that port or data receiver 140 could take on the form of aplug-in receptacle if a data link (not shown) is used for downloading oran antenna if downloading is to occur wirelessly. The transmitter 132 isconfigured to send operator-selected weld characteristics from interface124 to power source 110. Alternatively, weld characteristics may becommunicated from interface system 126 of torch 116 to transmitter 132via a separate data cable 142. Transmitter 132 may be configured totransmit the operator-specified weld characteristics wirelessly, viaweld cable 112, or via a separate data cable 130.

The operator-specified weld characteristics are preferably communicatedto the receiver 122 of power source 110 via the weld cable 112. Suchcommunication may, for example, take the form of a modulation and/orencoding of a power signal on the weld cable 112, or be performed by aseparate digital or analog serial protocol. Exemplary methods andsystems for providing communications via a weld cable are described inU.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0086706, published Apr. 27,2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,180,029, issued Feb. 20, 2007, and U.S. PatentApplication Publication 2007/0080154, published Apr. 12, 2007, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference for their disclosure of suchmethods.

However, although communications can be provided through the weld cable112, it may be desirable in other embodiments to include separate datacable 130 to communicate weld characteristics to power source 110. Forexample, bandwidth, impedance, or noise constraints may make a separatecable more desirable. Or, in instances where embodiments of theinvention are used as retrofits to existing welding-type systems, aseparate data cable 130 may be easier to implement. In such embodiments,data cable 130, rather than weld cable 112, may be used to power atleast display 134 of power interface system 124. Additionally, and asdiscussed above, the interface system (e.g., interface system 124 and126) of the accompanying remote device (e.g., wire feeder 114 and gun ortorch 116, respectively) may include an antenna for wirelesscommunication.

As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, user interface system124 may also include an on-board processing unit 138. In such anembodiment, the electrical parameter determinations may be conducted bythe on-board processing unit 138 of the user interface system 124connected to, or incorporated into, wire feeder 114 (or another remotedevice such as torch 116). Accordingly, communication of the electricalparameters may be accomplished wirelessly, via the weld cable 112,and/or via the data cable 130, obviating a need for a processing unit128 in the power source 110.

On-board processing unit 138 can also control additional weld settings,such as wire feed speed. As shown, wire feeder 114 has a set of rollers144 for advancing a consumable weld wire 146 to a gun or torch 116. Assuch, based on an operator specified weld joint type, material type,material thickness, weld profile, etc., the on-board processing unit 138can determine an optimal wire feed speed and communicate this value towire feeder 114. It is also envisioned that on-board processing unit 138could control travel speed (if the welding process is automated), bydetermining an optimal welding speed and relaying this value to a fixedautomation system or robot, such as a computer-numerical control (CNC)robot welder (not shown).

It is contemplated that the user interface system may be a componentaffixed to or incorporated into a peripheral device such as wire feeder114 and/or torch 116. However, it is also contemplated that userinterface system may be comprised of multiple components (e.g., aseparate transmitter 132, display 134, power receiver 136, processor138, and port or data receiver 140) that are each affixed and/orincorporated into a peripheral device (e.g., wire feeder 114 and torch116) along the weld cable 112 path. In either case, the interface systemallows for a power source to be set or adjusted in an efficient andintuitive manner.

As discussed above, it is also contemplated that an interface may becoupled to welding-type devices other than a wire feed 114 or torch 116.For example, it is envisioned that user interface 132 could beimplemented as part of a welding robot (not shown) along a weld cablepath and in communication with power source 110. Here, the receiver 122in power source 110 can be a wireless communications device capable ofconnecting the power source to a wireless communications network, aconnector such as an Ethernet connector for connecting the power sourceto a local area or wide area network, or a communications device capableof TCP/IP communications with a computer through an internet link. Inany of these cases, data entered into an interface system of the robotis transmitted to the receiver 122 in power source 110, and to the wirefeeder 114. Based on operator input of weld characteristics orattributes, power source electrical parameters may be determined at therobot and transmitted to the power source 110, or may be determined atthe processing unit 128 in power source. As such, work efficiencies canbe maximized.

Furthermore, although the system is described above for use with a metalinert gas (MIG/GMAW) or pulsed MIG system, it will be apparent that theinvention described herein also has application to other types ofwelding applications, including tungsten inert gas (TIG/GTAW) shieldedmetal arc welding (SMAW or stick welding), flux cored arc welding(FCAW), and other applications.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an alternate embodiment to that shown in FIG. 4,an operator interface may be implemented as an interface 154 on separatehandheld remote 156 wirelessly connected to wire feeder 114. Handheldremote 156 includes a transmitter 158 therein to send operator-selectedweld characteristics from interface 154 to wire feeder 114 via wirelesscommunication signals 160. Wireless communication signals 160 arereceived by processor 162 via antenna 164 and the weld characteristicscontained in the wireless communication signals 160 are processed byprocessing unit 162 to determine power source electrical parameters.Interface 154 wirelessly connected 160 to wire feeder 114 may beimplemented as a stand-alone interface or be used in conjunction withinterface 146 on torch 116. Additionally, it is also envisioned thatinterface 154 could be implemented as part of a networked computer inwireless communication with wire feeder 114 rather than being in theform of handheld remote 156.

Accordingly, an interface remote from a power source has been describedin a number of embodiments for determining and/or automatically settingelectrical power source parameters from operator-supplied weldcharacteristics.

In accordance with one embodiment, a welding-type system includes apower source constructed to deliver a conditioned welding power on aweld cable, a peripheral device connected remotely from the power sourcealong the path of the weld cable, and a user interface connected to theperipheral device. The weld cable defines a path from the power sourceto a welding electrode. Further, the user interface is adapted to inputat least one weld attribute and communicate the at least one weldattribute to a processing unit. The processing unit determines a set ofpower source parameters from the at least one weld attribute and causesthe power source to condition the welding power in accordance with theset of power source parameters.

According to another embodiment, a welding-type user interface systemincludes a display comprising a set of control inputs configured tocommunicate weld specifications, a power receiver to receive electricalpower from a weld cable to at least power the display, a processing unitprogrammed to convert the weld specifications from the set of controlinputs into welding-type power source settings, and a transmitting unitconfigured to transmit the settings to the welding-type power source.The settings are used to adjust welding-type output power of thewelding-type power source. Further, the weld cable couples thewelding-type power source to a welding-type torch.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a method for setting weldingparameters includes presenting a number of weld characteristic optionson a user interface, wherein the user interface is connected to awelding-system device that is remote from a welding-type powerconditioner, determining a set of electrical power source parametersbased on user selection of particular weld characteristics, transmittingthe set of power source parameters to a power source output controller,and conditioning welding-type power based on the set of power sourceparameters. The weld characteristics comprise physical attributes of aweld.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, andmodifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible andwithin the scope of the appending claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A welding-type user interface system comprising:a user interface configured to display and receive a plurality ofcontrol inputs indicative of a plurality of weld specifications, whereinthe plurality of weld specifications comprise one or more physicalattributes of a weld; a transmitter configured to transmit the pluralityof control input to a welding power source; and a processor configuredto convert, using a lookup table, the weld specifications from theplurality of control inputs into electrical parameters of a weldingpower source and a type of weld wire, and to control an output weldingpower of the welding power source based at least in part on theelectrical parameters.
 2. The welding-type user interface system ofclaim 1 wherein the processing unit is further programmed to determinethe electrical parameters using only the weld specifications as inputs.3. The welding-type user interface system of claim 1 wherein thetransmitting unit is further configured to transmit the plurality ofcontrol inputs via at least one of a weld cable, a communications cable,and an antenna.
 4. The welding user interface system of 1 wherein theprocessing is programmged to store a set of default welding power sourcesettings and automatically adjust one or more of the default weldingpower source settings when a user adjusts one control input of theplurality of control inputs.
 5. The welding user interface system ofclaim 1 wherein the welding user is configured to display at least oneof an image of a selected weld and the electrical parameters to a userfor approval, and wherein the weld specifications are determined from acomputer aided design (CAD) file downloaded from one of a computernetwork and a handheld computing device.
 6. The welding user interfacesystem of claim 1, comprising a power receiver configured to receiveelectrical power from the welding power source via a weld cable, and topower the user interface using the received electrical power.
 7. Thewelding user interface system of claim 1, comprising a handheld devicethat comprises the user interface and the transmitter.
 8. The weldinguser interface system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is furtherconfigured to transmit the plurality of control inputs wirelessly.
 9. Amethod for setting welding parameters comprising: receiving, via a userinterface, a plurality of control inputs indicative of a plurality ofweld characteristics, wherein the plurality of weld characteristicscomprise one or more physical attributes of a weld; determining, using afirst lookup table, a set of power source parameters based on thereceived plurality of control inputs; determining, using the firstlookup table or a second look-up table, a type of weld wire based on thereceived plurality of control inputs; outputting an indication of thetype of weld wire via the user interface; transmitting the set of powersource parameters to a power source output controller; and conditioningwelding-type power based on the set of power source parameters.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the welding device is at least one of awire-feeder and a welder-type gun.
 11. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising storing the set of power source parameters as a set ofdefault parameters for future use.
 12. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising displaying the set of power source parameters for approvalprior to transmitting the set of power source parameters to the powersource output controller.
 13. The method of claim 9 further comprisingdetermining the set of power source parameters from only the particularweld characteristics.
 14. The method of claim 9, comprising powering theuser interface using electrical power received from a welding powersource via a weld cable.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the userinterface is connected to a handheld device.
 16. The method of claim 15,comprising transmitting the plurality of control inputs from thehandheld device.